It was only a matter of time until the Red Sox or Yankees made a move at the MLB Winter Meetings. With a shortage of dominant free-agent pitchers this year, Boston decided to pursue Chicago’s most prized possession, who they had been dangling out there for the right buyer.
It seemed to be a good move for both sides, as the White Sox received a ton of young players, including Yoan Moncada.
OFFICIAL: #WhiteSox acquire Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech, Luis Basabe and Victor Diaz from Boston in exchange for Chris Sale.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) December 6, 2016
The financial implications for the White Sox are good, too.
Wow-The Red Sox will pay the entire $31.2 million left on Yoan Moncada's original $63 million deal. White Sox get sweet deal on the money.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) December 6, 2016
This works out well for Chicago, as they’ll essentially get him for free. And every little bit helped here, as the Nationals also made a hard push for Sale, but were not willing to give up the speedy Trea Turner.
Simple as this: Nats weren't willing to give up Turner, the Red Sox were willing to give up Moncada, viewed as the top prospect in baseball.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) December 6, 2016
Both Sox seem to be the winners here, with the Nationals and AL East the losers. The Red Sox’s main weakness was their pitching staff, as their outfield is loaded with stars. They just improved in a big way.
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